Chopuranathar Temple, Tiruchopuram
Location: Tiruchopuram (now known as Thyagavalli)
Deity known as: Chopuranathar, Mangalapureesurar
Female Deity: Chopura Nayaki, Thyagavalli
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Chopuranathar Temple
How to Reach
The temple is situated about 19 km from the Cuddalore bus stand. From the Chidambaram road, a signboard directs visitors towards Alapakkam railway station. After crossing the railway line, continue straight for approximately 3 km to reach Thyagavalli. The nearest major town is Cuddalore.
Temple Address
Tiruchopuram
Thyagavalli Post
Cuddalore Taluk
Cuddalore District
PIN 608801
Temple hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Temple Layout and Architecture
The temple stands on a vast stretch of sandy land, with its main entrance facing west. As one enters through the gateway into the outer prakaram, a dwajasthambam (flagstaff) and balipeetam (sacrificial altar) can be seen welcoming the devotees.
Inner Temple Complex
A second gateway leads into the inner section of the temple, where the inner prakaram houses several sannidhis. These include shrines for Subramanya, Gajalakshmi, Veerateshwara Lingam, Kannappar, the lingams worshipped by Thribhuvana Chakravarthy and his wife, Bhairavar, Surya (the Sun God), and the Navagrahas (the nine planetary deities).
Further inside the temple, additional sannidhis can be seen, including those dedicated to Vinayaka, the 63 Nayanmars, and Somaskandar. The sanctum of the presiding deity is reached through a mandapam, with the Ambaal Sannidhi facing south on the left. Interestingly, from a specific spot within the mandapam, devotees can have darshan of both Chopuranathar and Chopuranayaki simultaneously.
Trimurthy
The presiding deity’s Lingam was installed and worshipped by Sage Agasthiya, whose palm impressions are still visible on the surface of the deity. The Lingam is elongated in form and rests on a square aavudayar, facing west. The Goddess, Chopuranayaki, is seen in a radiant standing posture. On the wall behind the sanctum, there are sculpted panels depicting Brahma and Vishnu worshipping Lingodhbhavar. This darshan of the Trimurthy — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — together is considered especially sacred.
About the Place Name
TThe temple is situated in a region known as Thiruchopuram, with the nearby locality called Thyagavalli. It is said that the place derived its name from Thyagavalli, the crown queen of Kulothunga Chola I, who is believed to have renovated this temple.
Temple Significance and Legends
Legend of the Temple's Discovery
According to legend, this temple was once completely buried under sand dunes. A devotee, upon learning about the sacred site, came in search of it but could not find any trace of a temple. However, he noticed the tip of the gopuram kalash emerging above the sand. With the help of the local villagers, the temple was eventually uncovered and restored to its present form.
Sambandar's Pathikam
The pathikam composed for this temple by Thirugnana Sambandar is recorded in the First Tirumurai.
More Gallery
